Like it or not, it's best to simply embrace that chocolate must play a key role in any Valentine's Day dinner.

But
a chocolate tart or truffles or bonbons or even chocolate-dipped
strawberries are so... cliche. Maybe think a little outside the
chocolate box this year. Maybe slip the chocolate in as a savory
component to a steak dinner so rich and so delicious, you'll be tempted
to abandon silverware as you eat it.

And you can. Though mole
dishes such as this beef version often are served over rice, I've
instead paired it with a warmed, butter-drenched baguette. Because torn
hunks of crusty bread are perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce the
beef tips are cooked in.

BEEF MOLE WITH BUTTERY BAGUETTE

Start to finish: 40

Servings: 3

Ingredients

12-inch baguette, halved lengthwise

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 pound beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch chunks

1/4 cup almond butter

1/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

1/2 shallot

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pinch ground cloves

1/2 cup water

Salt

Hot sauce, to taste

1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Spread the butter over the cut sides of both halves of the baguettes. Set the baguettes, cut side up, in the oven to warm.

Meanwhile,
in a medium saucepan over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the beef and
sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside off the heat.

In a
blender combine the almond butter, tomatoes, garlic, shallot, cocoa
powder, cinnamon, black pepper, pepper flakes, cloves and water. Puree
until smooth, then add to the beef. Bring the beef and sauce to a simmer
over medium heat. Cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 10
minutes.

Season the beef with salt and hot sauce, then divide it
between serving plates. Top with scallions. Accompany with the warmed
baguette.